With the NBA All-Star game fast approaching, NBA teams are currently in the middle of the busiest part of the trade season, and are trying to improve their teams before the playoffs start. If you want to place a wager on NBA games, sites like MyBookie offer NBA betting lines.

One of the things NBA fans and players are used to around this time of the year is the fact that there a numerous rumors involving players teams are trying to move. Some of these rumors are generally accurate, while others are just speculation.

One of the biggest rumors circulating right now involves New York Knicks center Joakim Noah, who signed with the Knicks during the offseason. So far this season, Noah hasn't lived up to the expectations of the Knicks who were expecting significant contribution from the big man.

Noah hasn't been able to contribute consistently, which has led to him being benched by head coach Jeff Hornacek. Even though Noah has worked his way back into the lineup, there are reports that he could end up back on the bench if his production doesn't improve.

The fact that the Knicks are underachieving this year gives some weight to the rumors regarding Noah. After spending $72 million to sign Noah, the team moving him now that they are falling out of playoff contention makes a lot of sense, but it is unclear if they will be able to get a fair value in return because teams will be hesitant to sign Noah due to his struggles this season.

Unlike the Knicks, the Portland Trailblazers came into the season with high expectations after making the playoffs last year, which was supposed to be a rebuilding year. However, things haven't gone as planned in Portland this year, and as a result, the team is considering parting ways with Evan Turner, their prized offseason acquisition.

Turner, who was expected to start this season has struggled for most of the season and is currently coming off the bench for the Blazers. Interestingly, there are reports that the Knicks and Blazers could swap their struggling players for each other.

According to the reports, many in Portland feel that Noah is a great fit in their system, which has led to management making inquiries about him. Portland could use the services of a big man that can score, rebound, and pass, which is something they haven't had since LaMarcus Aldridge.

The reports also stated that Knicks president Phil Jackson is a big fan of Turner's game, and would love to have him playing in New York. Jackson tried to sign Turner during the offseason, but Turner opted to go to Portland instead, now he has another chance to bring Turner to New York.

Since the salaries for both players are similar, a trade between the two teams would work, the question now is will the teams make the trade. For Portland, getting Noah makes a lot of sense because the team is in need of a big man. However, it might not make a lot of sense for the Knicks because they have Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, and Courtney Lee playing the same positions that Turner plays.
After Rose didn't show up for Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans and didn't notify the team before the game, the Knicks might be willing to part ways with him as well.